← Upside
Upside role-play cheat sheet
For the mock cold call at the end of most SDR interviews.
What they sell, in one line
A free cash-back app for shoppers that also gives gas stations, grocers, and restaurants a way to bring in new customers.
Who you'd be calling
Owners and managers of gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Your opener
“Hi [Name], this is [You] from Upside. I know I'm calling out of the blue. We help gas stations and grocers bring in new customers through our cash-back app, and I wanted to see if you're looking to grow foot traffic.”
Problems you solve for them
- Hard to attract new customers and win repeat visits
- Competing on price with the station or store down the road
- Limited marketing tools or budget for small merchants
Discovery questions to ask
- How do you bring in new customers today?
- How do you compete on price with other stations or stores nearby?
- Have you tried any loyalty or promotion programs before? How did they go?
Objections they'll throw at you
“I'm busy, I have customers.”
→ No problem, I'll be brief. Is there a better time today or tomorrow when it's quieter?
“Not interested.”
→ Understood. Is getting more customers something you already have covered, or just not a focus right now?
“We already have a loyalty program or run promotions.”
→ That's great. Is it bringing in new customers or mostly rewarding the ones you have? Could we compare how this would add to it?
“Send me an email.”
→ Sure. So it's relevant, are you more interested in new customers, bigger baskets, or repeat visits?
Competitors worth knowing
GasBuddy
Interview tips for this company
- Be ready to explain in one sentence how a cash-back app helps a merchant, since owners are often skeptical of 'marketing' pitches.
- Practice calling small-business owners who are on the shop floor: short, direct, and respectful of their time.
Written from public information about Upside to help you practice. Ask an insider what their role play looked like; it's the best prep there is.